Shoe-shaping device



July 14, 1964 F. c. ROZEAR SHOE-SHAPING DEVICE Filed Feb. 28, 1965 I N VEN TOR. Frez/rick C. R

M' M +J4o Afa ame s United States Patent 3,149,502 SHOE-SHAPING DEVICE Frederick C. Rozear, 15 /2 Church St. NE, R0. Box 31, Decatur, Ala. Filed Feb, 28, 1963, Ser. No. 261,779 Claims. (Cl. 15267) This invention relates to a shoe shaping device and more particularly to such a device which shall be adapted for holding a shoe in a set position whereby the original shape of the shoe is maintained or restored.

Another object of my invention is to provide a shoe shaping device which shall be adapted for holding a shoe in proper position for cleaning and polishing whereby the cleaning and polishing operation may be performed with a minimum of effort.

Another object of my invention is to provide a shoe shaping device of the character designated which shall be adjustable to accommodate shoes of various sizes and shapes.

Another object of my invention is to provide a shoe shaping device of the character designated which shall comprise a minimum of parts which are adapted for quick assembly and disassembly whereby the parts may be stored or packaged in a minimum of space.

A further object of my invention is to provide a shoe shaping device which shall include toe clamping members which are adapted to be rotated to selected positions whereby they conform to the side of the shoe above the sole thereof.

A further object of my invention is to provide a shoe shaping device which is adapted to clamp the toe of the shoe in place and then exert a downward force inwardly of the rear portion of the shoe whereby the shoe is held in the proper position.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a shoe shaping device of the character designated which shall be simple of construction, economical of manufacture and one which may be readily adjusted to accommodate shoes of Various sizes with a minimum of effort.

Briefly, my improved shoe shaping device comprises a pair of supporting frame members which are adapted for adjustment relative to each other whereby the overall length of the supporting frames may be varied to accommodate shoes of various lengths. Adjustable toe clamps are mounted on one of the supporting frame members in position to fit snugly against the sides of a shoe just above the soles whereby the toe is clamped in position. A U-shaped clamping frame is mounted on the other frame member above the rear portion of the shoe and carries a vertically adjustable clamp member which is disposed to fit within and engage the rear portion of the shoe whereby the shoe is clamped and held in a fixed position.

A shoe shaping device embodying features of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view, partly broken away, showing a shoe clamped in place by my shoe shaping device;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the U-shaped clamping frame removed from the supporting frame therefor;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the frame members which support the shoe;

FIG. 4 is a fragmental view showing a modified form of my invention; and,

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a further modified form of my invention, partly broken away and in section.

Referring now to the drawing for a better understanding of my invention, I show a rear frame member which is adapted to support the rear portion of a shoe 3,149,5d2 Patented July 14-, .1964

indicated generally at S, as shown in FIG. 1. The forward portion of the frame member 10 is provided with a longitudinally extending recess 11 therein for receiving a tongue or projection 12 carried by a forward frame member 13 which is adapted to support the forward end of the shoe S. Secured to the rear frame 10 in position to project inwardly of the longitudinally extending recess 11 are longitudinally extending guide members 14 which engage the upper and lower surfaces of the projection 12. That is, the recess 11, together with the elongated guideways 14, guide the movement of the projection 12 whereby it slides freely relative to the rear frame member 10 in a longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the forward and rear frame members 13 and 10 may be moved to selected positions relative to each other to accommodate shoes of various lengths.

Secured to the forward end of the frame member 13 by suitable means, such as screws 16 is a bracket 17 having a plurality of transversely spaced threaded openings 18 therein disposed to receive depending threaded members 19 carried by toe clamp members 21. The inner surface of each of the toe clamp members 21 is curved as at 22 whereby it is adapted to correspond generally to the exterior surface of the shoe S directly above the sole of the shoe indicated at S. Since the threaded members 19 are adapted for rotation within the threaded openings 18, the toe clamps 21 may be rotated to any desired position relative to the adjacent surface of the shoe. Also, by positioning the threaded members 19 in selected ones of the threaded openings 18, the toe clamps 21 may be moved to selected positions to accommodate the toe portion of any shoe regardless of the width thereof.

Secured to opposite sides of the rear frame member 10 by suitable means, such as screws 23 are upstanding brackets 24. The upper end of the brackets 24 are turned inwardly to define generally cylindrical-like receptacles 26. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cylindricallike members 26 extend in a generally horizontal plane in position to receive horizontally extending projections 27 carried by depending legs 28 of a generally U-shaped clamp member 29. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the U-shaped clamp member 29 is provided with a base portion 31 having a reinforced central portion 32. A suitable threaded opening is provided through the reinforced portion 32 for receiving an elongated threaded member 33. The lower end of the threaded member 33 is provided with a disc-like member 34 which is adapted to fit within and engage the rear portion of the shoe S, as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the disc-like member 34 is adapted for free rotation on the threaded member 33 whereby it does not rotate relative to the shoe S. The upper end of the threaded member 33 is provided with an operating handle 36 whereby the threaded member 33 may be rotated and thus moved to selected positions relative to the clamping member 29. It will thus be seen that the elongated threaded member 33, together with the disc-like member 34 and the handle 36 define a clamping unit which is adapted to exert a downward force on the rear portion of the shoe to thus hold it in firm engagement with the rear supporting frame 10.

From the foregoing description, the operation of my shoe-shaping device shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 will be readily understood. The supporting frame sections 11) and 13 are moved relative to each other whereby the combined length of the frames 16 and 13 are adapted to accommodate a shoe of a particular length. The toe clamps 21 are then positioned in the proper threaded openings 18 to accommodate the particular width of the toe to be clamped therebetween. The toe clamps 21 are rotated whereby the toe clamps are moved to an elevation just above the sole S of the shoe. The toe of the shoe is then positioned under the toe clamps 21 and the toe clamps 21 are rotated whereby the curved surfaces thereon conform generally to the adjacent sides of the shoe S. With the toe of the shoe thus clamped in place between the toe clamps 21, the rear portion of the shoe will be lifted above the rear supporting frame 10. The U-shaped clamping frame 29 is then positioned over the rear portion of the shoe S and the projections 27 are inserted in the cylindrical-like receptacles 26, as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the member 29 is detaehably connected to the supporting frame 1i). With the U-shaped clamping member 29 thus attached to the supporting frame 10, the handle 36 is rotated in the proper direction to move the disc-like member 34 into engagement with the shoe whereupon the rear portion of the shoe is moved downwadly into firm engagement with the rear supporting frame 10. The shoe is thus clamped in the proper position for cleaning, polishing, or storing.

-Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawing, I show a modified form of my invention in which upstanding brackets 24 are secured to opposite sides of the rear supporting frame 10. The upper ends of the brackets 24 extend outwardly from the frame It) as at 37 and then terminate in generally cylindrical-like members 38 which are adapted to receive horizontally extending projections 27. By providing the brackets 24 having the outwardly projecting portions 37, the supporting frame 10 is adapted to support shoes of a greater width. That is, the frame 10 may be narrower than the rear portion of the shoe whereby a portion of the shoe is actually supported by the outwardly projecting members 37.

Referring now to FIG. of the drawing, I show another modified form of my invention in which a rear frame member it) is provided with a longitudinally extending threaded opening 39 for receiving a horizontally extending threaded member 41 carried by a forward frame member 13 By providing a threaded opening 39 and the threaded member 41, the members may be moved to selected positions relative to each other by merely rotating the members relative to each other. The rear section a. carries the brackets 24 and the U-shaped clamping members 29 while the forward frame section 13 carries the toe clamps 21, as described hereinabove. Other than the particular means for adjusting the frame members W and T13 relative to each other, the operation of the shoe shaping device shown in FIG. 5 is identical to the operation of the apparatus shown in in FIGS. 13.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that I have devised an improved device for maintaining shoes in their original shape or restoring shoes to their original shape. By providing adjustable supporting frames for the shoe shaping device, the device is adapted to accommodate shoes of various lengths. Also, by providing adjustable toe clamping members which may be moved to selected positions transversely of the forward supporting frame member, the device is adapted to accommodate the toe of a shoe regardless of the size or shape thereof. Furthermore, by providing clamping means which exerts a downward force against the inner rear portion of the shoe, together with quick acting means for separating the clamping member from the remainder of the apparatus, my shoe clamping device is easy to operate and may be readily assembled or disassembled by merely releasing the disc member 34 and sliding the projections 27 outwardly of the cylindrical-like receptacles 26 or 38, as the case may be.

While I have shown my invention in several forms, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A shoe shaping device comprising:

(a) a first frame member adapted to support the rear portion of a shoe,

(b) a second frame member adapted to support the forward portion of a shoe,

(0) adjustable means connecting said first frame member to said second frame member and adapted to hold the frame members in selected positions relative to each other to adapt the device for use with shoes of various lengths,

(d) toe clamps mounted for vertical adjustment on said second frame member in position to fit over the sole of a shoe to accommodate soles of various thicknesses,

(e) a generally U-shaped clamping frame having a base member with depending legs extending from opposite sides thereof,

(1) horizontally extending projections carried by the lower ends of said legs and there being horizontally extending receptacles carried by the sides of said first frame member in position to receive said projections, and

(g) a vertically adjustable clamp member carried by the base of said clamping frame and depending therefrom in position to fit within and engage the rear portion of a shoe whereby said rear portion is held in engagement with said first frame member.

2. A shoe shaping device as defined in claim 1 in which the toe clamps mounted for vertical adjustment on said second frame member have depending threaded members which are rotatable relative to selected ones of a plurality of laterally spaced threaded openings provided in said second frame member and have curved inner surfaces disposed to fit adjacent the sides of a shoe above the sole thereof.

3. A shoe shaping device as defined in claim 1 in which each of said receptacles comprises a bracket secured to each side of said first frame member and having a cylindrical-like portion thereon disposed to receive said projections.

4. A shoe shaping device comprising:

(a) a first frame member adapted to support the rear portion of a shoe,

(b) a second frame member adapted to support the forward portion of a shoe,

(0) longitudinally extending guide members carried by one of said frame members disposed to receive a portion of the other of said frame members whereby the frame members are adapted for movement to selected positions relative to each other to accommodate shoes of various lengths,

(d) toe clamps mounted for vertical adjustment on said second frame member in position to fit over the sole of a shoe to accommodate soles of various thicknesses,

(e) a generally U-shaped clamping frame having a base member with depending legs extending from opposite sides thereof,

(f) horizontally extending projections carried by the lower ends of said legs and there being horizontally extending receptacles carried by the sides of said first frame member in position to receive said projections, and

(g) a vertically adjustable clamp member carried by the base of said clamping frame and depending there from in position to fit within and engage the rear portion of a shoe whereby said rear portion is held in engagement with said first frame member.

5. A shoe shaping device comprising:

(a) a first frame member adapted to support the rear portion of a shoe,

([2) a second frame member adapted to support the forward portion of a shoe,

(c) an elongated threaded member carried by one of said frame members,

(d) there being a longitudinally extending threaded opening in the other of said frame members disposed to receive said threaded member whereby said frame members are adapted to be held in selected positions relative to each other to accommodate shoes of various lengths,

(e) toe clamps mounted for vertical adjustment on said second frame member in position to fit over the sole of a shoe to accommodate soles of various thicknesses,

(f) a generally U-shaped clamping frame having a base member with depending legs extending from opposite sides thereof,

(g) horizontally extending projections carried by the lower ends of said legs and there being horizontally extending receptacles carried by the sides of said first frame member in position to receive said projections, and

(h) a vertically adjustable clamp member carried by the base of said clamping frame and depending therefrom in position to fit within and engage the rear portion of a shoe whereby said rear portion is held in engagement With said first frame member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 13,951 Molliere Dec. 18, 1855 1,193,831 Schuyler Aug. 8, 1916 2,566,656 David Sept. 4, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,000,322 France Oct. 10, 1951 

1. A SHOE SHAPING DEVICE COMPRISING: (A) A FIRST FRAME MEMBER ADAPTED TO SUPPORT THE REAR PORTION OF A SHOE, (B) A SECOND FRAME MEMBER ADAPTED TO SUPPORT THE FORWARD PORTION OF A SHOE, (C) ADJUSTABLE MEANS CONNECTING SAID FIRST FRAME MEMBER TO SAID SECOND FRAME MEMBER AND ADAPTED TO HOLD THE FRAME MEMBERS IN SELECTED POSITIONS RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER TO ADAPT THE DEVICE FOR USE WITH SHOES OF VARIOUS LENGTHS, (D) TOE CLAMPS MOUNTED FOR VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT ON SAID SECOND FRAME MEMBER IN POSITION TO FIT OVER THE SOLE OF A SHOE TO ACCOMMODATE SOLES OF VARIOUS THICKNESSES, (E) A GENERALLY U-SHAPED CLAMPING FRAME HAVING A BASE MEMBER WITH DEPENDING LEGS EXTENDING FROM OPPOSITE SIDES THEREOF, (F) HORIZONTALLY EXTENDING PROJECTIONS CARRIED BY THE LOWER ENDS OF SAID LEGS AND THERE BEING HORIZONTALLY EXTENDING RECEPTACLES CARRIED BY THE SIDES OF SAID FIRST FRAME MEMBER IN POSITION TO RECEIVE SAID PROJECTIONS, AND (G) A VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE CLAMP MEMBER CARRIED BY THE BASE OF SAID CLAMPING FRAME AND DEPENDING THEREFROM IN POSITION TO FIT WITHIN AND ENGAGE THE REAR PORTION OF A SHOE WHEREBY SAID REAR PORTION IS HELD IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID FIRST FRAME MEMBER. 